Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if a scissor is Ergonomic?
An ergonomic scissor is designed so that it puts the least amount of stress on the hand, arm, shoulder and back while you are working. Ergonomic scissors can help reduce pain in your hand, elbow, shoulder, and back. They can also help if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or bursitis.
What are the different handle configurations: off-set, straight, and crane-handle?
Handle configuration is probably one of the biggest considerations when choosing a new shear. Straight-handled shears put the most strain on the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck and back. Off-set and crane-handle shears put less strain on the body and are usually a better choice, because they allow you to drop your elbow while you work.
What is the right length of the scissor for me?
Most scissors range in length from 4.5 inches to 8 inches. To choose a basic cutting tool, you should measure the length of the blade against your middle finger, and the overall length of the scissor against the palm of your hand. Most women are more comfortable working with a 5” or 5.5” scissor, while most men prefer a 5.5” or 6.0” shear. The length of the scissor you choose depends upon the size and length of your hands.
Why is it important for my shear to have a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer's defects?
Any good scissors should have a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Your tools are an investment and if there is manufacturer's defect in your shear, the scissor company should support you.
Does it matter where my hairdressing scissors are made?
That’s like asking if a Louis Vuitton bag is real or fake! You want the real thing, because you can’t fake high quality. All hair cutting scissors are made with stainless steel. The highest quality scissors are manufactured in Japan and Germany. The steel made in Japan is regarded as the best scissor steel in the world. German steel is very hard steel, which means that it lasts for a long time. We supply scissors made is Japan and Germany, because we only supply the highest quality scissors available.
What are hollow-ground concave blades?
Concave blades have uniform hollow-grinding on the inner surface of the blade. This allows a scissor to be both very strong and have a thin edge, allowing for a precise cut. Always choose high quality steel when selecting this type of blade.
What is a Convex edge? What is a Beveled edge?
A beveled edge is thicker than a convex edge and this thickness helps support the sharp edge of the blade. A good quality scissor has been engineered for a very sharp bevel edge made from Japanese steel that will perform every bit as well as a quality convex edge. Many stylists prefer a convex (or clamshell) edge, but a beveled edge can perform just as well if the steel in your shear is of superior quality.
Is there a scissor that never needs to be sharpened?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a scissor that never needs to be sharpened.
How should a shear feel in my hand?
When considered a scissor, it’s important to consider how it feels in your hand as well as how it feels to your whole body. The wrong scissor can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, repetitive strain injury (RSI), and other hand, arm, shoulder, neck and back problems. The right scissor can prevent these problems. The factors that will make it a good scissor for you are: weight, length, balance and handle configuration.
What is a true left-handed scissor?
On a true left handed shear, the sharp edge of the top blade is on the left-hand side of the blade. The trouble with a left-handed stylist using a right-handed shear is that it puts more stress and tension on your hand. Left-handed stylists should always choose a true left-handed scissor.
Why should a scissor feel well balanced in my hand?
A scissor should feel well-balanced in your hand. That means that neither the handle nor the blade should feel too heavy when you are cutting with the scissor. You don’t want to feel that you are working to hold the tip of the blade level with the cutting surface, or your hand will become easily fatigued.